where can i find a good film camera?

Question

one that takes quality pictures i'd be using black and white film if that makes any difference.
and what would be a good make or brand of camera?

Answer 1

You seem like you're just getting into photography, so I'd first reccommend that you get a 35mm camera (this is what you think of when you think of a camera); it's likely the format you're most familiar with, it's the cheapest, and it's the most versatile.

I don't know how much money you have to spend, but i strongly reccommend investing a decent amount and buying a good camera. Nikons are a personal preference, but they are amazing cameras that stand up for the long haul. Most any model will be worth its price, but I'll tell you, my favorite camera is my Nikon Nikkormat. It's the first camera I ever owned, and it was given to me by my father--it had been his and before that my grandfather's. That should give you an idea of how long these things last.

Nikons are also the most adaptable cameras; almost any peice of equipment i've ever come across (lenses, flashes, tripods, auto releases, etc.) has been compatable with my Nikon. . .which was manufactured long before much of these even existed.

The downside of Nikons are that they're very expensive. If you just don't have the money to spend, I like the Phoenix P4. . .it's less expensive, albeit less durable.

Instead of a chain electronics store, buy your camera from a local place that focuses on film cameras. The employees are more knowledgable, and they'll work with you and give you advice on what your needs are.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

If you do nothing else, have a read of Ken Rockwell's article on why the camera doesn't matter.

Good film bodies and lenses are getting less and less expensive, and are readily available on eBay and online second hand stores. Nikon, Canon and Pentax all give you good upgrade paths. If you want to start with a basic body and gradually build your system by adding lenses and other accessories, this can be done with all three of these makes. The Nikon F mount, Canon EF and Pentax K mounts are common across the later film and digital bodies, allowing you to upgrade later to a more advanced body or to digital without having to re-invest in lenses and accessories.

There are already some good suggestions, and some that might just be tongue in cheek! The Nikon F4 is a great camera. I own one and use it, but it is a monster and never goes into my backpack if I am bush-walking. Depending on the lens, it will weigh between 1.5kg and 2kg! You will exercise muscles you never knew you had if you were to lug it around all day. In contrast, the Nikon F80 is less than half the weight. It is not waterproof, and probably not as robust, but it is a camera you can have with you all the time.

I own both older Canon equipment which goes back to when I took up photography as a hobby, as well as Nikon film bodies. Either would be a good choice, and serve you well, but they are not the only options.

Answer 3

Try eBay where good film cameras are selling for pennies on the dollar. Or www.keh.com.

Do a bit of digging, but the Nikon F100 should be in the neighborhood of $300-$400 in very good condition, You will need a flash to go with it, as it does not have a built in. Or try a Nikon F4, N8008, or Fm3A.

The Canon users will let you know what they recommend. I had a Canon AE-1 which lasted for many years and was a great camera. But any AE-1 would be getting pretty old now. If you plan on using it a lot, I would try for a bit newer model.

Answer 4

My recommendation....

Get a useed Nikon N90s or if you are in Europe an F90x.

This camera will work with the AF-D lenses and re plentiful. It will work with AF-G lenses as well, but only in PROGRAM or SHUTTER PRIORITY modes.

I got an N90s, a 28-70mm f/3.3 lens and an SB-22 speedlight for $150 from a pro portrait photographer that was switching to digital. I've seen the N90s bodies at places like
BHPhoto, Cameta and on Ebay super cheap.

There are also a lot of add on options ypu can get, like camera backs, vertical shutter grip/battery compartment.

Read up on the N90s here:
http://www.bythom.com/N90.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/n90s.htm
http://www.camerareview.com/templates/camera_details.cfm?camera_id=12

Also, check out this site which has a manual for the N90s:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/slr9294.htm

Answer 5

When starting off, brand of camera isn't so much of a concern is knowing the basic concepts of photography and knowing how to properly expose and develop black and white film so that it doesn't always look washed out and grey. Get yourself an introduction to photography book and then perhaps look at an all manual 35mm SLR camera like a Nikon F3. Keh.com is a good place to check.

Answer 6

I like either Nikon or Canon. Also Pentax's K1000; a real workhorse. With Nikon, they have the good F3 or F4. For Canon, you should look into the F or A series. Since they switched the EOS model, you can pick up the older lenses for very little. Though, if you ever want to switch to digital, you wont be able to use these lenses

Answer 7

I have a Minolta Maxxum3. It does great with film and would be terrific with the B&W photos. Minolta, Nikon, Canon are all good brands. If you want really good photos, stay with the name brands. You will be fine with those.